A Guides Guide to Oregon Covered Bridges

Oregon’s covered bridges offer visitors a chance to step into the past - when the road creaked beneath wooden wheels and the world moved at the pace of one’s horse. While fewer than 60 remain in Oregon today, there was a time when over 600 covered bridges crossed Oregon’s rivers, creeks and canyons. The surviving bridges are a testament to both resilience and craftsmanship, providing a lens through which we can view Oregonian life in the early 20th century. As the only guide offering tours focused on these bridges, I’ve had the privilege of watching the moment when onlookers pause, take in their surroundings, and are captivated by the rich story that these bridges present to them. Oregon has some of the finest covered bridges in the country; this is my guide to some of my favorites.

"Goodpasture Covered Bridge - Vida Oregon" by Orygun (talk) at en.wikipedia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Why Were Covered Bridges Built?

As practical as they were beautiful, bridge coverings were originally constructed to extend the life of wooden spans that would otherwise rot quickly in the damp Pacific Northwest climate. The roofs and siding acted as protection from rain, snow, and sun, preserving the integrity of the trusses beneath.

But the benefits weren’t just structural. Farmers noticed that animals were more likely to cross bridges calmly if the span resembled a barn — an enclosed, familiar structure — rather than an open plank over rushing water. Function and form came together in these bridges, turning them into some of the most iconic features of rural Oregon.

The Covered Bridge Capital of the West: Cottage Grove, Oregon

If you want to get a feel for how ubiquitous these bridges once were, I recommend heading south from Eugene to Cottage Grove — The Covered Bridge Capital of the West. This small town has embraced its bridge heritage, and it's a perfect starting point for a day of exploration.

The Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route is a well-marked scenic loop that makes it easy to explore several bridges in a short amount of time. This official driving route includes six historic bridges, and it pairs well with a stop in Cottage Grove’s charming Historic District, which has a variety of inviting spots for food and drink.

A Few of my Favorite Covered Bridges near Eugene

• Currin Bridge – With its red siding and white portals, this one’s a photographer’s favorite.


• Mosby Creek Bridge – The oldest bridge in Lane County, and still open to vehicles.


• Chambers Railroad Bridge – A beautifully restored structure and the only fully covered railroad bridge west of the Mississippi.


• Dorena Bridge – Nestled near Dorena Lake and the Row River Trail, this one’s great for a picnic or a short stroll.


• Stewart Bridge – A peaceful spot tucked into farmland that captures the quiet charm of Oregon’s backroads.

  
  

"Currin Bridge - Cottage Grove Oregon" by Bruce Fingerhood from Springfield, Oregon, US is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Chambers Covered Bridge - Cottage Grove OR" by Bruce Fingerhood from Springfield, Oregon, US is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Nelson Mtn. covered bridge, Oregon" by Bonnie Moreland (free images) is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Make a Day of it!

At Best Oregon Tours, we offer a relaxed, story-rich tour that brings these bridges — and the era they were built in — to life. You’ll ride in comfort, hear the history, and have time to stop, photograph, and soak in the beauty of the countryside. The Oregon Covered Bridges Tour is great year-round, with each season offering something special: spring greenery, summer blooms, fall foliage, and even the quiet drama of misty winter mornings.

Pickup is available in Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, and surrounding areas, and tours can be customized for small groups or private bookings.

Interested in experiencing Oregon’s bridge heritage firsthand? Book a Covered Bridge Tour today, and let’s go exploring!